By Leslie Linsley

Author of Nantucket Island Living (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

September 2023

The other day a woman stopped me on Main Street ,  “I liked your tip about making a ”to-do” list in August, to deal with in Sept.” she said.  Well, guess what folks? August flew by and here we are getting the kids ready for school, leaving the island, or tackling those repairs you put off. So…..

Listen up ladies! 

How many times have you needed to hang a picture, or tighten a screw, a job too small to call someone in to do? Or you don’t have the right tools? Or can’t find the right size nail?  Every woman needs her own toolbox outfitted for these little jobs you think you can’t do. Guess what? You can! Corey, the Hardware Department expert, kindly agreed to give me advice on how to outfit a lady’s toolbox for small DIY projects. I told Corey everything had to be lightweight, user friendly and fit into a metal toolbox I intended to spray paint pink with a can of Krylon from Marine's Paint Department. He patiently walked me through each aisle, making suggestions. Here’s the list:

1.     A lightweight hammer 7 oz.

2.     A combo Irwin 9 in. 1 screwdriver 

3.     A kit that contains picture wire, pliers, and wire cutter. 

4.     An assortment package of picture hanging hooks and nails.

5.     A mini hack saw. Surprisingly useful when a dowel is too long.

That’s all you’ll need! Satisfaction guaranteed and so empowering!

I hate to be a downer, but we’re coming into hurricane season so stock up on batteries, check your flashlights, get a new smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, and secure or cover outdoor furniture. Get rid of everything you didn’t use this summer to make room for next season. Hang hooks, install stacking shelves, replace hangers, redesign your closets to be super-efficient, buy a new piece of furniture that serves as an accessory table with storage below. And the big round clothes hampers are perfect for corralling those incredibly sumptuous ACK beach towels and blankets. Christmas may not be on your radar, but do not leave the island without a heavenly blue ACK monogrammed bed pillow. It comes in gray too, but the soft hydrangea blue is “off the charts” perfect. You won’t want to give it away.

As my annual plants are wilting, I’m replacing small flowerpots with oversized pots to consolidate watering next year. The large, cobalt blue ceramic pottery outside of Housewares is 50% off so, good time to buy. I love a live tree in the house and these are perfect for a ficus. I imagine it flanked by the two beautifully crafted, wood frame chairs I stumbled upon in Home Furnishings, upholstered with an elegant, blue plaid fabric that made me want to redo my living room.

And btw, the pink toolbox is to announce its decidedly un-male ownership (there should be a miniature one for Barbie).